Nonconference play finishes with a Tuesday matinee for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The UAPB men’s basketball team will host Ecclesia College at noon at H.O. Clemmons Arena for the final game of 2024.
UAPB (2-10) is 2-0 at home with wins over Champion Christian College and Central Arkansas. The Golden Lions lost a pair of road games over the past week and are looking to take a win into Christmas break.
Ecclesia (0-15) out of the National Christian College Athletic Association has had a rough season thus far. The Royals have allowed 100 or more points in 11 games including their past four. They lost 131-42 to SWAC foe Southern and 94-30 to Arkansas-Monticello.
The Royals and Golden Lions have played two common opponents. UAPB defeated Champion Christian 99-57, while Champion beat Ecclesia 100-67. Louisiana-Monroe beat UAPB 89-73 and Ecclesia 110-48.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
For a UAPB team that has allowed five opponents to exceed 100 points, this game presents an opportunity for the Golden Lions to be on the giving end for the first time this season.
Senior guard Justin Reaves leads the Royals with 16.5 points per game and has made a team-high 34 3-pointers. Ahmad Raymond, a junior, averages 11 points per game.
The Royals allow opponents to shoot 39.7% from 3-point range with 12.6 makes per game. The Golden Lions made 15 in a season-best 46.9% 3-point shooting night against UCA, but ULM and Texas have since held the Golden Lions to 20% and 14.3% from 3, respectively.
UAPB guard Quentin Bolton Jr. leads the Golden Lions with 16 made 3-pointers this season, followed by Caleb Jones with 14.
This will be UAPB’s final home game for nearly a month. Following this game, the Golden Lions will open January with two road conference games in Alabama before the first SWAC home game against Texas Southern on Jan. 11.